Sofia's Almost-Ruined Summer
Chapter One
A few weeks before the last day of school, Sofia had gottten a letter from prince Charlie, asking if she and her family would like to visit his castle in Nyria.
Roland and Miranda told Sofia that they could go if she did well on her end of term exams. Unfortunately, Sofia was so excited at the thought of seeing Charlie again, she found herself unable to focus on her schoolwork, something that Flora, Fauna and Merryweather quickly noticed. They requested that Sofia see them privately.
"Sofia, we know you can do better then this." Flora declared.
"You're usually so bright and attentive." Fauna added.
"What's the matter?" Merryweather asked.
"I'm sorry." Sofia said. "It's just, I'll be visiting a... friend soon, and I'm really excited."
"Well, I'm afraid all that excitement is affecting your work." Flora declared. "Perhaps a parent-teacher conference is in order."
"Ooh, good idea, Flora!" Fauna smiled.
"A good talk with the parents will straighten things right up!" Merryweather agreed.
"But I-" Sofia spluttered, worried for what that would mean for the upcoming trick.
A note was quickly drawn up.
"Please, take this note to your parents." Flora handed the note to Sofia.
"Yes, miss Flora." Sofia sighed.
Back home, Sofia handed the note to her parents.
"A parent-teacher conference?" Miranda gasped.
"What's wrong, Sofia?" Roland asked.
"I've... had some trouble with my schoolwork." Sofia admitted.
"Say no more." Roland said sternly. "We'll find out the whole story at the conference."
As they left the room, Amber and James shared worried looks. Sofia had never gotten into trouble at school before.
Sofia was a little worried when she went with her parents back into the school.
"King Roland, queen Miranda, thank you for coming." Flora greeted them. "Please come with us into the classroom."
"You too, Sofia." Merryweather added. "You can do your spelling work while we talk to your parents."
"Yes, Miss Merryweather." Sofia nodded.
As the adults went into Fauna's classroom, Sofia sat at her desk.
"What is this about, Miss Fauna?" Miranda asked.
"Well, your majesties, we're very concerned with Sofia's current study habits." Fauna replied. "Her participation in class is slipping."
"Now, who is this friend that Sofia is so excited to see?" Merryweather asked.
"His name is prince Charlie." Roland answered. "And he is good friends with our children, Sofia especially."
"Well, Sofia has been falling behind on her schoolwork because of him." Flora declared. "And end of term exams are next week. Either Sofia gets her mind off this friend of hers and starts studying, or she will have to take a summer class."
"We understand." Roland nodded. "Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention."
Roland and Miranda went back to the classroom.
"Sofia we need to have a talk about this as soon as we get back home." Miranda declared.
Sofia could tell that their trip to Nyria was going to be called off for sure now.
Once they returned home, Roland and Miranda started talking.
"We know how much you like prince Charlie, Sofia." Roland admitted. "But you can't let those feelings interfere with your schoolwork. Learning how to be a good princess is essential, and you cannot fall behind in your studies."
"Does this mean we're not going to Nyria?" Sofia asked.
"That all depends." Miranda said. "If you can get your schoolwork back on track and pass the final exams, we can go."
"Really?!" Sofia gasped.
"Yes." Roland nodded. "But you're going to have do a lot of studying. That means no playdates, no visiting your friends in the village, and no flying derby."
"But, dad..." Sofia protested.
"You want to go to Nyria and see Charlie again, don't you?" Miranda asked.
"...Yes." Sofia sighed.
"Then you need to study." Miranda declared.
"Baileywick, please fetch Sofia's schoolbooks." Roland asked their faithful steward.
"At once, your majesty." Baileywick nodded.
"When Baileywick gets back, you can start studying,okay?" Roland smiled.
"Okay." Sofia nodded.
Once Baileywick brought her books, Sofia began reading. Shortly after, James and Amber entered the room.
"Hey, Sof." James smiled.
"What are you doing?" Amber asked.
"Studying." Sofia revealed. "If I don't pass next weeks exams, there'll be no trip to Nyria."
"That's terrible!" James gasped.
"I know." Sofia nodded.
"And I so wanted to see the Nyria fashions, too..." Amber mused.
"Hey, maybe we can help!" James offered.
"Really?" Sofia asked. "How?"
"The three of us will make a study group." James smiled. "We'll help you get ready for those exams. Right, Amber?"
"Of course." Amber smirked. "With my help, you'll pass those exams with flying colors."
"Thanks, guys." Sofia smiled.
"Just one more thing." James added.
"What is it, James?" Sofia asked.
"Our riding exam is next Friday" James said bluntly.
"But dad said no flying derby." Sofia thought.
"If you don't pass the flying exam you won't be able to be in flying derby next semester." James said.
"I know." Sofia sighed. "But what can I do?"
"I'll take the test for you." Amber declared.
"What?" James asked.
"Huh?" Sofia gasped.
"Why not?" Amber shrugged. "I've ridden Minimus before, in case you've forgotten."
"Well, I guess that could work." Sofia shrugged. "But the hard part will be convincing Sir Gilliam to let you take the test in my place."
"Oh, I can be very persuasive." Amber said smugly. "But for now, let's focus on your spell work."
"You got it, Amber." Sofia smiled.
After a long cram session, Sofia had a quick dinner, did some more studying, then went to bed, completely exhausted.